Page 60 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess
“Look!” I tug at his sleeve, pointing upward. “It’s so bright! And the stars too!”
Only then do I realize where we are. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere—far enough from any city that would light-pollute the night sky. Above us, thousands, no, millions... actually, billions of stars glitter. My mouth falls open as I marvel at the Milky Way and the constellations shine sharp and clear. Venus. The North Star. All visible.
Alexander lies back on the hood, turning a small USB stick in his fingers before slipping it into his pocket. He really has that thing with him all the time, like some kind of talisman. Then he folds his hands behind his head and stares upward, surely enjoying the view as much as I do.
“This is gorgeous,” I whisper enthusiastically, lying down beside him. The hood radiates warmth beneath me, while the night is cool and fresh. It’s a perfect combination, with a priceless, magnificent view.
I sense Alexander watching me before he finally says, “True.”
I turn my face toward him and smile. “This is the most beautiful thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
“Really?”
“Yes. No diamond ring in the world, no luxury car or anything else could top this.”
“Sounds like you’re hinting for a lavish Christmas gift from your boss,” he teases with a wide smile.
“As long as you show me the stars, my world’s perfect.” I turn my gaze back to the night sky. My heart has calmed in his presence, and I relax, infinitely comfortable. I have to admit: that’s another point for him. "Do you do this for all your employees?"
“Yes, I’ll be very busy for the next few months,” he deadpans, and we both burst out laughing.
“And here I thought I was something special,” I say nervously, glancing at him.
Alexander just smiles.
“Do you reallythinkthat—or do youknowit?” he finally asks.
“I know I’m something special, yes.” My eyes linger on his lips. My pulse kicks up. “May I be honest with you?” Now or never. He drove me here, under this sky, and this glowing moon. There won’t be a better moment.
“Of course. As long as it has nothing to do with the church.”
“No.” That again. I can’t help but laugh softly and lean a little closer. “Well, maybe just a tiny bit—since that’s where we first met.”
I brace myself on one arm and lean over him. His lips curve into a gentle smile as he watches me. His lips form a gentle smile and then—my courage deserts me.
He’s my boss, damn it. I can’t. I flop back down, eyes darting up at the stars instead. That’s safer. Safer than imagining what his kiss might feel like.
“Why didn’t you do it?” he asks quietly, propping himself up now. The question knocks the air out of me and I wonder if he knows I wanted to kiss him.
“What do you mean?” I try to deflect.
“Then I’ll do it.”
Before I can react, Alexander leans closer, smiling as his hand cups my cheek and carefully approaches my lips. I take one last deep breath, while I lie there stiff as a board, holding my breath and closing my eyes, until our lips touch. A surge of tingling shoots through me - it's much more intense and beautiful than I could have ever dreamed. Alexander's warm lips lock against mine, while he simultaneously caresses my cheek with his hand. Whether it's the alcohol or his skills, I'm not quite sure, but I don't want to think about it anymore because it feels fantastic.
Oh, if only time would stop!
I never want to do anything else but lie here and be kissed. In this moment, I don't care about anything. Absolutely anything. Like the fact that he's my boss. I'll worry about that later. Away with the concerns. Bring on the hot butterflies in my stomach and pure desire.
“I’ve wanted to do that the whole time,” he murmurs against my lips, smiling.
I just stare at him in disbelief.
The whole time? So, I wasn’t imagining it? The looks, the subtle tension, even that scene of him undressing in front of me… all real.
“And now you juststop?” I ask dumbfounded. My hands slide up to his cheeks and I tug him back down to me. Greedy kisses on a car hood under London's magnificent starry sky - excuse me? Could it get any more romantic? I don't think so.
I loop my arms around his neck, fingers threading into his hair, one leg shifting so he can lie over me more easily. But what does he do? Nothing.
